Ridge Foundation launches first international project with technology hub for school in Delhi

We are immensely proud to have launched The Ridge Foundation’s first international project with the opening of the new Ridown Technology Hub at Mira Model School in Delhi, India.

The state-of-the-art suite, funded jointly by The Ridge Foundation and Ridown Technology Group, provides 30 desks fully equipped with modern computers, accessories and fast fibre connectivity. The total value of the project is around £50,000.

Mira Model School provides for around 2,000 students, including many from disadvantaged backgrounds. These young people will now benefit from access to the latest technology to help develop digital skills, boost learning outcomes and unlock future career opportunities.

A celebration was held at school, with children performing songs and dances to mark the opening of the hub.

Principal Mrs Meenakshi Sant said:  “The Ridown Technology Hub will undoubtedly provide our students with invaluable opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive in the digital age. Your generosity and commitment to promoting education will have a lasting impact on our students' lives.”

“Thank you for believing in our school and our students. We're grateful for your support and look forward to seeing the positive changes that this hub will bring.”

Ridown Technology Group, co-founded by telecoms and technology entrepreneurs Darren Ridge and Aaron Brown, employs over 200 people in India, providing technical support across group companies in areas such as app and web development, IT and sales.

Darren said:  “Creating opportunities for young people is at the heart of everything we do at The Ridge Foundation. We believe access to technology and digital skills should not be limited by geography or background, and to see this vision brought to life in Delhi was a huge moment for us, personally and professionally.”

The project in India builds on Ridown Technology and The Ridge Foundation’s long-term commitment to supporting education and aspiration. The Foundation was created to help children and young people from challenging circumstances to reach their full potential, and was inspired by Darren’s own experiences growing up on a council estate in a deprived area.

Its first initiative was at Havant Academy in Leigh Park, Hampshire, where contributions now exceed half a million pounds, including a new technology hub to support pupils who struggle with learning in the classroom, funding of a multi-sensory space that helps reduce anxiety and support mental wellbeing, a new £50,000 minibus, and the donation of more than £300,000 of Vodafone connectivity to widen access to online learning tools.